Master Mechanic Roy Niederlander

Roy Niederlander was recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration with the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, in recognition for his years of outstanding service. He earned his associate degree in aviation maintenance in 1971 at Columbus Technical Institute, then started his career in the U.S. Air Force. Later he provided aircraft maintenance service at Island Airlines (Port Clinton, Ohio), Capital Aircraft Electronics (Columbus, Ohio) and Lane Aviation (Columbus, Ohio) for several years before transitioning to The Ohio State University Airport in 2009.

Bestowed upon highly accomplished senior aircraft mechanics, the lifetime award celebrates mechanics for achieving 50 years or more of dedicated service. The award is named in honor of the first aviation mechanic in powered flight, Charles Taylor, who served as the Wright Brothers' mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft. Read more here.